Gonal-F (follitropin alfa) is a hormone and fertility medicine from manufacturer Serono that stimulates egg production in the ovary. In general, the higher the dose, the more eggs are stimulated to grow. Gonal-F comes in two forms: a cartridge (450 IU, and 1050 IU) that fits in to an easy-to-use pen, and a 75 IU vial requring mixing (also known as Gonal-F RFF). It is similarly effective to other drugs from the same family (gonadotropins).

What are the pros of using Gonal-F in fertility treatments?Gonal-F has a long record of being a safe and effective treatment. Both forms have benefits as well: the Gonal-F pen can be adjusted in small increments, allowing for precise dosing. The Gonal-F RFF vial is slightly less expensive and can be mixed with other fertility medicines, allowing for fewer injections. The pens also provide a good value though—the cartridges each come with over 100 IU of overfill that can still be used.

A local reaction to the shot, with redness and swelling, is by far the most common side effect. More significant allergic reactions are possible, but they are rare. Even more rarely, Gonal-F can be associated with over-stimulation of the ovary. This can cause ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome—and that would mean you would need to cancel your treatment cycle.

Are there any alternatives to Gonal-F?Follistim AQ and Bravelle are other forms of follitropin that your doctor may prescribe instead of Gonal-F—look for overviews of these options coming soon.

This is part of a series of guest posts from fertility doctor Dr. Mousa Shamonki. Have any questions or requests for more information? Let us know.

About The GoodRx Medical Team

Dr. Sharon Orrange, MD MPH

Dr. Orrange is a Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Southern California, as well as a practicing adult medicine doctor in Los Angeles. She also has a Masters in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University. She does not receive any form of compensation from pharmaceutical manufacturers for the opinions expressed here. Follow her on twitter at @orrangemd.

The GoodRx Pharmacist

Roni Shye, PharmD CGP BCACP graduated from Duquesne University and is a licensed pharmacist in the states of Florida, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Her realm of pharmacy experience includes but is not limited to retail, compounding, and specialty pharmacy. Currently she is a mentor for Strong Women Strong Girls, certified thru APhA in Medication Therapy Management and diabetes, and an active member of The Ohio pharmacists association, LGBT, and the Women's Business Resource Group.

Elizabeth Davis

Elizabeth Davis is GoodRx's medical editor and consumer savings expert. She hand-assembled the GoodRx drug database and has researched virtually every available discount program and savings opportunity.

Disclaimer: The content posted here is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. GoodRx does not recommend or endorse any specific prescription drug, pharmacy or other information. We urge you to talk to your doctor before starting, changing or terminating any medical treatment.

Our Mission

GoodRx believes that everyone should be able to access and afford the prescription drugs they need to maintain their health.

Company

Connect

This information is for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. GoodRx is not offering advice, recommending or endorsing any specific prescription drug, pharmacy or other information on the site. GoodRx provides no warranty for any of the pricing data or other information. Please seek medical advice before starting, changing or terminating any medical treatment. Third party logos, trademarks, brand names and images contained on GoodRx.com are for demonstration purposes only and are owned by their respective rights holders, who are not affiliated with this Site.